Born into an Irish and Thai family, Niamh Kilkelly has had a unique upbringing. Floating between Thailand and Australia has given her a deep understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. These experiences have influenced her philosophy in life and acting: to embrace empathy and compassion in all circumstances.
Demonstrating a lifelong passion for the arts, Niamh has been acting since the ripe old age of 4, and starring in her first leading role at age 6, as Princess Blossom in The Princess’s Gift in her primary school production. Throughout high school, Niamh took every opportunity to be involved in the theatre and arts scene. She has produced several short films, stage managed productions such as Radium Girls and The Snow Queen at Pymble Ladies’ College, and represented the school at the TheatreSports Schools Challenge, emerging as the top girl’s team in NSW in 2015.
Originally setting out to be a filmmaker, Niamh undertook a Bachelor of Media (Screen and Sound Production) at UNSW, but quickly realised she belonged on the other side of the camera. Then began the hustle, working late nights at clubs and bars to support her dream of becoming an actor.
Niamh’s ACA credits include Titania/Hippolyta and Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Emilie in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Waffles in Uncle Vanya and Denyse Kim in Banging Denmark, various roles in Everybody, and Gail Williams in A Conversation. In collaboration with the NIDA graduate directors, Niamh also played the role of Kendra in Gloria.
Additionally, Niamh was also afforded the great privilege of directing her first show, SIMMER, which was a self-generated triptych of plays.
Outside of acting, Niamh has had a life-long love affair with martial arts, and has trained in Taekwondo, Judo and Tai Chi.
